a singular challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a unique or distinct challenge that stands out from others. Example: "The project presented a singular challenge that required innovative solutions and teamwork to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But he had a singular challenge on Oct. 22, 1962.

The New York Times

Chaotic and sometimes confusing, this is a singular challenge, erupting with life and humour.

The Guardian - Tech

The report, titled "Haiti: From the Ground Up," also acknowledged that the scale of the disaster made the response a singular challenge.

The New York Times

Of course, a film adaptation presents any number of problems, but bringing "The Shipping News" to theaters (it opened Dec. 25) was a singular challenge.

The New York Times

"I've spent a lot of time trying to help organize our efforts in Afghanistan, and that is a singular challenge for us," he said.

The New York Times

— On the day he inherited the Knicks — the Linsanity, the insanity and the rest of it — Mike Woodson was handed a singular challenge: get Carmelo Anthony to play like Carmelo Anthony.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Being the final medical authority in such cases — particularly those involving police brutality or city negligence — can be politically fraught, and, in New York, administrative infighting and sheer population density combine to create a singular institutional challenge.

The New Yorker

"Government and business can come together to confront the singular challenge of our time — combating climate change," the letter says.

Los Angeles Times

The color-coded CDC maps that show obesity trends over time have highlighted the singular challenge of the southern and Gulf Coast states for decades.

Huffington Post

The research highlights the singular challenges of fathers.

The New York Times

Even as Manguso argues against stringently dividing books into genres — "The designations assigned to them by and for the marketplace seem incidental to the authentic achievements of the books themselves" — she concedes memoir's singular challenges.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular challenge" to emphasize the uniqueness or unprecedented nature of a problem or task. This phrase adds weight and importance to the difficulty being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular challenge" when describing everyday difficulties. This phrase is best reserved for situations that are truly unique and significant, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular challenge" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of difficulty. Based on Ludwig AI, the term describes a unique or exceptional obstacle that requires significant effort to overcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular challenge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within News & Media and Scientific contexts, to denote a unique or exceptional difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is suitable for formal and professional settings, emphasizing the importance of the task at hand. While versatile, it's best reserved for genuinely unique situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "a unique challenge" or "an exceptional challenge". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use this phrase to add weight and significance to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique challenge

Emphasizes the distinct and one-of-a-kind nature of the challenge, similar to "singular".

an exceptional challenge

Highlights the extraordinary difficulty or demanding nature of the challenge.

a remarkable challenge

Focuses on the noteworthy or striking aspects of the challenge.

an unprecedented challenge

Indicates that the challenge is novel and has not occurred before.

a distinctive challenge

Stresses the characteristic or distinguishing features of the challenge.

a one-of-a-kind challenge

Reinforces the idea that the challenge is unique and unparalleled.

a rare challenge

Highlights the infrequency or uncommonness of the challenge.

a special challenge

Indicates that the challenge requires particular attention or skills.

a particular challenge

Emphasizes the specific nature of the challenge.

an individual challenge

Suggests the challenge is specific to one person or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "a singular challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "a singular challenge" to describe a problem or task that is unique and stands out from others. For example: "Adapting to climate change presents "a singular challenge" for coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "a singular challenge"?

Some alternatives include "a unique challenge", "an exceptional challenge", or "an unprecedented challenge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a singular challenge" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a singular challenge" leans towards formal and professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "a unique problem" might be more suitable.

What makes "a singular challenge" different from "a difficult challenge"?

"A difficult challenge" simply implies a high degree of difficulty. "A singular challenge" emphasizes that the challenge is unique and stands apart from other difficult tasks. It's not just hard, it's also distinct.